Bundeskunsthalle Bonn

Grey Matter in the Spotlight

The Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn has achieved a great success. An interdisciplinary special exhibition that sheds light on the organ that defines us like no other: the brain. inkl.Design made sure that the grey cells sparkle in a wonderfully inclusive and colourful way.

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What is the brain? Control center, supercomputer, one of the last great mysteries of the human body. Many unanswered questions invite us to examine the brain, the gray matter, the seat of the ego – on a scientific and artistic level.

Together with the office Grauwert from Hamburg, inkl.Design has implemented five stations for the exhibition, which are designed in an inclusive manner and which serve as an introduction to the major complexes of questions from art, cultural history and science.In fruitful focus group work, a group of experts developed barrier-free stations together with the team of the Bundeskunsthalle in order to reflect different perspectives, interests and diversity.

Experiencing with different senses at the tables is intended to enable alternative approaches. Without giving too much away: There is moss, sponges, metal and smells to discover.

A media guide leads all visitors through the exhibition and to the centrally located experience stations. A graphic-tactile floor guidance system supports orientation through the five complexes of the exhibition: The only seemingly simple first question, “What’s in my head?” gets to the bottom of the anatomy of the brain. In this case, brain to touch really promises a haptic experience for all visitors. The second question, “How do I imagine the processes in the brain?” asks about the cognitive functions and active processes in the brain. Things get philosophical with the third question, “Are I and my body the same?” The fourth question is “How do I make the world for myself?” Senses and sensory illusions can be experienced concretely. The exhibition’s concluding fifth question is “Should I optimize my brain?” Today, technical implants in the brain are already helping to alleviate symptoms of illness. But what will the human being of the future look like?

In an extensive accompanying program aimed at all visitors, the exhibition can be experienced in a variety of ways. There are guided tours in sign language and in clear language, and an audio guide guides visually impaired guests. In addition, offers are made for people with dementia and schoolchildren.

View into the entrance area of the exhibition „The Brain“ in the Bundeskunsthalle Bonn. On the left on the pink wall, a graphic representation of the brain with information texts. In front of it, two round stools. The floor guidance system leads past the first inclusive table into other areas of the exhibition.
Close-up. A visitor holds an opened brain model in both hands so that the individual components of the brain can be seen.
Exterior view of the Bundeskunsthalle Bonn. On the facade is a digital advertising sign promoting the exhibition „The Brain“.
A close-up of one of the inclusive tables. On the left of the image, a set box in the shape of a large head made of metal with several small compartments containing various items. A visitor is holding a small wooden donkey standing on a black bridge.
The picture shows the inclusive table number 2 and the surrounding exhibition. On the table the large set box in the shape of a head. The distinctive floor guidance system leads to the table and other areas of the exhibition.
The photo shows the entire inclusive table 2 with the set box in the shape of a large head. On the table surface you can see stickers in different shades of pink with short quotes from the focus group and tactile marks for orientation.
A close-up of the floor guidance system: black studs and ribs on gray granite floor.
Photo of an exhibition object: A visitor turns the pages of differently printed and colored transparencies that are mounted above a mirror. His reflection is therefore wearing glasses.
Close-up of an exhibition object on one of the inclusive tables: a transparent film on which a round hat, glasses and a curved mustache are printed in black lie above a mirror.
Detailaufnahme eines taktil bedruckten Schildes für den Audioguide. Auf schwarzem Hintergrund sind die Zahl 41 und das Audioguide-Symbol in weiß erhaben zu sehen.
Das Foto zeigt die Hände eines Besuchers, die einen kleinen Ballen Stroh halten. Davor auf dem Tisch ein zerlegbares Modell des Gehirns aus Metall und grauem Kunststoff. In einem der Fächer liegt ein kleiner Naturschwamm.
Photo of an inclusive table. In the center are large wooden letters that form the word „Wald“ Also, several round wooden boxes, some tactile signs and colored stickers. In one box the lid is slightly open, green moss is visible inside.
Another photo of an inclusive table. In the center of the table are placed letters made of wood, which make the word „Wald“. Also, round boxes made of wood, tactile signs and stickers. In the background a pink exhibition wall with text and two pictures.
A close-up of a tactile printed sign with directions to the exhibition in tactile profile and Braille.
A visitor's hand gropes soft green moss in a round wooden box on one of the exhibition tables.
Photo from above one of the inclusive tables. You can see different models of brains, colored stickers and tactile signs.
Photo of an inclusive table showing, from left to right, a wooden chess set, VR glasses and a light screen, a small model of a cochlear implant and a very large cochlear model. In the background, other exhibits.
Photo of inkl.design employee Franziska Müller, with mask, during the construction. With her hands she touches the moss in a wooden box.
The photo shows a detail during setup: a tactile sign with the number 43 on the table surface, tape and tools next to it.
Auf einem der inklusiven Tische werden Aufkleber mit Zitaten aufgeklebt. Die Aufkleber sind in verschiedenen Rosatönen gehalten. Zur Markierung klebt neongelbes Klebeband dazwischen.
The photo shows a large metal set box in the shape of a head (right) and inkl.design employee Ludwig Oertel (left). He cleans the head with a green cloth.
Photo of the structure: Hands attach an anti-theft device to a metal gear.
Gregor Strutz and Ludwig Oertel from inkl.Design applying stickers on one of the exhibition tables. Both wear glasses, a mask and a black T-shirt and tilt their heads downwards in concentration. In the center of the picture, between the two, is the large metal set box in the shape of a head.
Close-up of a hand smoothing a sticker on one of the exhibition tables with a squeegee.
Close-up of a hand smoothing a sticker on one of the exhibition tables with a squeegee.
Close-up from above: Two hands feel over a large brain model with the typical furrows. Around it, packaging material.
Two employees of inkl.Design assembling exhibition tables in the Bundeskunsthalle Bonn. They are standing next to each other at one of the tables and are looking intently. Both are wearing glasses, masks and dark sweaters.
The photo shows a note on packaged objects for the exhibit that says, „Don't forget your brain! “
Detail photo: Brown tape on a cardboard. On the tape the word "brain" and a drawn brain.
The photo shows Ludwig and Gregor from inkl.Design setting up the inclusive tables in Bonn. Between them a large metal set box in the shape of a head. In the background a trolley with tools.

Projektdetails

Project Scope: General consulting, conception and implementation of tactile models including product design, 3D data creation, graphic design, production support and supervision

Photo of the next project Gottorf Castle. The compilation of the tactile models

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